Therapists for Adults in Kitchener, ON
Ever feel like everyone else has it figured out, but you're still trying to find your way? Many young people I work with appear fine on the outside. Life may look stable on paper, yet inside there's a sense of feeling lost, unfulfilled, or stuck in cycles of overthinking and self-criticism. If this sounds familiar, you're in the right place.
Ever feel like everyone else has it figured out, but you're still trying to find your way? Many young people I work with appear fine on the outside. Life may look stable on paper, yet inside there's a sense of feeling lost, unfulfilled, or stuck in cycles of overthinking and self-criticism. If this sounds familiar, you're in the right place.
Clarity Rooted In Direction Shawn
Registered Social Service Worker, Psychotherapist, RSSW
Kitchener, ON N2H
Are you stuck and feeling frustrated that no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to break free from addiction? You feel hopeless, confused, and unsure of what steps to take next. Life feels unmanageable, your relationships, your purpose, your health is declining. I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to feel lost, to not know what to do next, and to feel like you can’t accomplish what you set out to. You don’t need to figure it out alone. I’m here to help you find clarity, direction, and real hope, because I’ve walked that path myself, change is possible!
Are you stuck and feeling frustrated that no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to break free from addiction? You feel hopeless, confused, and unsure of what steps to take next. Life feels unmanageable, your relationships, your purpose, your health is declining. I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to feel lost, to not know what to do next, and to feel like you can’t accomplish what you set out to. You don’t need to figure it out alone. I’m here to help you find clarity, direction, and real hope, because I’ve walked that path myself, change is possible!
I offer support for a wide range of concerns, from specific challenges you may be facing now to unresolved trauma and life transitions. My work focuses on helping you build emotional strength, resilience, and practical skills so you can manage stress more effectively, improve your relationships, and feel more grounded in your daily life.
Unresolved trauma can show up in many ways, including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, self-harm, impulsivity, addiction, eating disorders, perfectionism, or difficulties maintaining healthy relationships. You do not have to face these struggles alone. Healing is possible.
I offer support for a wide range of concerns, from specific challenges you may be facing now to unresolved trauma and life transitions. My work focuses on helping you build emotional strength, resilience, and practical skills so you can manage stress more effectively, improve your relationships, and feel more grounded in your daily life.
Unresolved trauma can show up in many ways, including low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, self-harm, impulsivity, addiction, eating disorders, perfectionism, or difficulties maintaining healthy relationships. You do not have to face these struggles alone. Healing is possible.
Are your thoughts and feelings impacting your daily routines? Have you felt stuck, or overwhelmed with family, friends, work and your home life? I am here to help you identify problematic thoughts and behaviours, by creating a plan to change. It takes courage to identify problem areas, and it takes dedication to work on changing them. We will work together to identify, change, and manage your presenting concerns. Understanding that we all have different worldviews, I use curiosity to understand how your cultural and intersecting identities contribute to your thoughts, feelings and change needs.
Are your thoughts and feelings impacting your daily routines? Have you felt stuck, or overwhelmed with family, friends, work and your home life? I am here to help you identify problematic thoughts and behaviours, by creating a plan to change. It takes courage to identify problem areas, and it takes dedication to work on changing them. We will work together to identify, change, and manage your presenting concerns. Understanding that we all have different worldviews, I use curiosity to understand how your cultural and intersecting identities contribute to your thoughts, feelings and change needs.
I want to invite you into a therapeutic space where everything is speakable. Nothing is too shameful, too shocking, too terrible or too broken to be witnessed.
I want to invite you into a therapeutic space where everything is speakable. Nothing is too shameful, too shocking, too terrible or too broken to be witnessed.
Are you from an Asian cultural background—first- or second-generation Asian Canadian—and feeling stuck because of family expectations, cultural pressures, or past experiences? Do you struggle to express yourself, feel misunderstood, or notice patterns in your relationships that keep repeating? You want to understand yourself better, feel more confident in your relationships, and find ways to move forward. I work with clients like you to explore family dynamics, cultural influences, and personal patterns, using a person-centred approach and IFS informed EMDR to help you heal, develop practical tools, and create meaningful change.
Are you from an Asian cultural background—first- or second-generation Asian Canadian—and feeling stuck because of family expectations, cultural pressures, or past experiences? Do you struggle to express yourself, feel misunderstood, or notice patterns in your relationships that keep repeating? You want to understand yourself better, feel more confident in your relationships, and find ways to move forward. I work with clients like you to explore family dynamics, cultural influences, and personal patterns, using a person-centred approach and IFS informed EMDR to help you heal, develop practical tools, and create meaningful change.
Are you feeling stuck in an older version of yourself that you know is ready to change? Do you live with the feeling that there's a truer version of "you" that's dying to come out? Are you held back by complicated relationships from your past, that seem to keep you in a holding pattern? Are you a couple stuck in a pattern that keeps you apart? Often we hit a place where we know we are ready for a transition, but we're just not sure what to do next. That's when therapy can be the most powerful. It's my greatest privilege to experience real connection with folks who are journeying towards a more meaningful, fulfilled, authentic life.
Are you feeling stuck in an older version of yourself that you know is ready to change? Do you live with the feeling that there's a truer version of "you" that's dying to come out? Are you held back by complicated relationships from your past, that seem to keep you in a holding pattern? Are you a couple stuck in a pattern that keeps you apart? Often we hit a place where we know we are ready for a transition, but we're just not sure what to do next. That's when therapy can be the most powerful. It's my greatest privilege to experience real connection with folks who are journeying towards a more meaningful, fulfilled, authentic life.
Hello and welcome! Are you suffering from symptoms of anxiety or depression? Are you feeling stuck in negative cycles of behaviour or unhelpful thinking patterns? Is your child or teen experiencing issues with emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, or behavioural concerns? Are you struggling to support your neurodivergent child or teen? Whatever your experience, it can be difficult to take the first steps of reaching out for support. As a registered social worker and therapist with over 5 years of experience, I would be honoured to offer you or your child help through therapeutic support.
Hello and welcome! Are you suffering from symptoms of anxiety or depression? Are you feeling stuck in negative cycles of behaviour or unhelpful thinking patterns? Is your child or teen experiencing issues with emotional regulation, anxiety, depression, or behavioural concerns? Are you struggling to support your neurodivergent child or teen? Whatever your experience, it can be difficult to take the first steps of reaching out for support. As a registered social worker and therapist with over 5 years of experience, I would be honoured to offer you or your child help through therapeutic support.
My specific area of clinical practice is in Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN). The difficult thing about CEN is that its impacts upon people’s lives are often hard to identify. Many people grow up with their external needs (e.g. for food, shelter, clothing, etc.) met adequately or even met well, but in an environment where their emotional needs were ignored, unrecognized, under-recognized or discouraged. You may have grown up telling yourself that you had a fine or even great childhood, and this can make it incredibly difficult to pinpoint why you feel empty, insecure, depressed, or set apart from other people.
My specific area of clinical practice is in Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN). The difficult thing about CEN is that its impacts upon people’s lives are often hard to identify. Many people grow up with their external needs (e.g. for food, shelter, clothing, etc.) met adequately or even met well, but in an environment where their emotional needs were ignored, unrecognized, under-recognized or discouraged. You may have grown up telling yourself that you had a fine or even great childhood, and this can make it incredibly difficult to pinpoint why you feel empty, insecure, depressed, or set apart from other people.
Currently accepting new clients (as of the week of April 6th, 2026). My style and approach to therapy are influenced by a holistic understanding that we are a composite of our histories and experiences, the intersections of our identities, and socio-cultural understandings and systems. I am also a firm believer that therapy is a collaborative process of growth and discovery between the client and therapist, and while you are the true catalyst for change, it is an honour to be by your side throughout the journey.
Currently accepting new clients (as of the week of April 6th, 2026). My style and approach to therapy are influenced by a holistic understanding that we are a composite of our histories and experiences, the intersections of our identities, and socio-cultural understandings and systems. I am also a firm believer that therapy is a collaborative process of growth and discovery between the client and therapist, and while you are the true catalyst for change, it is an honour to be by your side throughout the journey.
My passion for mental health comes from my own challenges navigating a rare diagnosis and a difficult postpartum. As a third-culture woman growing up in Canada, I had a challenging time navigating my own identity as a young Muslim. From facing discrimination, being undermined for my experiences, and having difficult conversations with family around identity, culture, and religion, I have witnessed firsthand the complexities of carving out one’s identity and remaining true to oneself across diverse environments.
My passion for mental health comes from my own challenges navigating a rare diagnosis and a difficult postpartum. As a third-culture woman growing up in Canada, I had a challenging time navigating my own identity as a young Muslim. From facing discrimination, being undermined for my experiences, and having difficult conversations with family around identity, culture, and religion, I have witnessed firsthand the complexities of carving out one’s identity and remaining true to oneself across diverse environments.
My ideal client is someone who feels anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck, even though from the outside they may appear capable and high-functioning. They often put pressure on themselves to do things “right,” struggle with self-doubt, and tend to overthink or people-please. They may be navigating life transitions, relationship stress, academic or work-related pressure, or a general sense of unease that they cannot fully explain.
My ideal client is someone who feels anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck, even though from the outside they may appear capable and high-functioning. They often put pressure on themselves to do things “right,” struggle with self-doubt, and tend to overthink or people-please. They may be navigating life transitions, relationship stress, academic or work-related pressure, or a general sense of unease that they cannot fully explain.
You might look like you’re holding it together while feeling overwhelmed, emotionally flooded, or disconnected. Maybe intense emotions, dissociation, past trauma, or relationship stress have been part of your life, and you’re tired of managing it alone. You may be neurodivergent, queer, or trans, or someone who learned early to stay alert in spaces that didn’t feel safe. You want therapy that’s human and collaborative, where you don’t have to perform or be “fixed,” just supported as you build steadiness and self-trust. I am committed to providing affirming care where your identity and lived experience is always respected.
You might look like you’re holding it together while feeling overwhelmed, emotionally flooded, or disconnected. Maybe intense emotions, dissociation, past trauma, or relationship stress have been part of your life, and you’re tired of managing it alone. You may be neurodivergent, queer, or trans, or someone who learned early to stay alert in spaces that didn’t feel safe. You want therapy that’s human and collaborative, where you don’t have to perform or be “fixed,” just supported as you build steadiness and self-trust. I am committed to providing affirming care where your identity and lived experience is always respected.
My name is Amy, and I’m grateful you are here. My approach to therapy is rooted in warmth and compassion, creating a non-judgmental space for you to embrace your authentic self. Together, we can explore the darkness that may dim your light, and I’ll walk alongside you on your journey of self-understanding, growth, and healing.
My name is Amy, and I’m grateful you are here. My approach to therapy is rooted in warmth and compassion, creating a non-judgmental space for you to embrace your authentic self. Together, we can explore the darkness that may dim your light, and I’ll walk alongside you on your journey of self-understanding, growth, and healing.
Do you struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, or constant negative self-talk? Maybe you feel like you're never doing enough, or your life feels out of control. You might be navigating body image concerns, disordered eating, or the pressure to mask as a neurodivergent person. I work with folks who want to break these cycles and feel more at home in themselves. As someone with ADHD, I understand how exhausting it can be. You deserve support that works for your brain and helps you build real self-trust.
Do you struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, or constant negative self-talk? Maybe you feel like you're never doing enough, or your life feels out of control. You might be navigating body image concerns, disordered eating, or the pressure to mask as a neurodivergent person. I work with folks who want to break these cycles and feel more at home in themselves. As someone with ADHD, I understand how exhausting it can be. You deserve support that works for your brain and helps you build real self-trust.
I work with teens, parents and adults through a relational, trauma-informed, neurodivergent affirming, and anti-oppressive lens.
As a fellow complex human with ADHD and Autism, I frequently support diagnosed and self-realized neurodivergent folks. Those I’ve worked with describe me as empathetic, warm and genuine. I believe deeply in being soft with people and hard on systems, understanding that systemic change is essential to our collective healing and individual well-being.
I work with teens, parents and adults through a relational, trauma-informed, neurodivergent affirming, and anti-oppressive lens.
As a fellow complex human with ADHD and Autism, I frequently support diagnosed and self-realized neurodivergent folks. Those I’ve worked with describe me as empathetic, warm and genuine. I believe deeply in being soft with people and hard on systems, understanding that systemic change is essential to our collective healing and individual well-being.
Vicki Hartman
Registered Social Worker, MA, RSW
1 Endorsed
Kitchener, ON N2H
Waitlist for new clients
As a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and Psychotherapist, I'm passionate about working with children, youth and families in an empathetic, safe, and non-judgmental environment. I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and discover a path to healing, emotional growth and mental well-being. Whether you, or a loved one, are experiencing anxiety, depression, self-harm, grief, abuse, family or marital conflict, LGBTQIA+ issues or trauma (historical or current), I will work with you to develop the tools and insights needed to foster long-term change, personal growth, and improve relationships.
As a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and Psychotherapist, I'm passionate about working with children, youth and families in an empathetic, safe, and non-judgmental environment. I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and discover a path to healing, emotional growth and mental well-being. Whether you, or a loved one, are experiencing anxiety, depression, self-harm, grief, abuse, family or marital conflict, LGBTQIA+ issues or trauma (historical or current), I will work with you to develop the tools and insights needed to foster long-term change, personal growth, and improve relationships.
Many of the people I work with are adults who appear capable and high‑functioning on the outside, yet feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or stuck on the inside.
My work is trauma‑informed, collaborative, and tailored to each person. I provide online therapy to adults across Ontario, drawing from evidence‑based approaches such as IFS, CBT, attachment‑focused work, and trauma‑focused interventions. Together, we build insight, reduce distress, and strengthen emotional capacity at a manageable pace.
Many of the people I work with are adults who appear capable and high‑functioning on the outside, yet feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or stuck on the inside.
My work is trauma‑informed, collaborative, and tailored to each person. I provide online therapy to adults across Ontario, drawing from evidence‑based approaches such as IFS, CBT, attachment‑focused work, and trauma‑focused interventions. Together, we build insight, reduce distress, and strengthen emotional capacity at a manageable pace.
With warm, compassionate care, I journey with Adults, Adolescents, Couples and Families.
My alliance with clients is influenced by a Client-directed, Strength-based, Trauma informed approach. I find it a privilege to support travellers in their wellness journey and consider it an honour to create protected spaces for everyone to be brave and vulnerable as I guide them to the awareness of their inner strength and resilience.
With warm, compassionate care, I journey with Adults, Adolescents, Couples and Families.
My alliance with clients is influenced by a Client-directed, Strength-based, Trauma informed approach. I find it a privilege to support travellers in their wellness journey and consider it an honour to create protected spaces for everyone to be brave and vulnerable as I guide them to the awareness of their inner strength and resilience.
I work with teens and young adults navigating anxiety, trauma, burnout, people-pleasing, identity, school stress, and life transitions.
My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and practical. You don’t have to be good at talking or have a big story figured out - I’ll meet you where you’re at. Together, we’ll build skills to manage stress and emotions, explore what’s underneath the surface, and move toward the kind of life (and relationships) that feel more like yours.
I work with teens and young adults navigating anxiety, trauma, burnout, people-pleasing, identity, school stress, and life transitions.
My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and practical. You don’t have to be good at talking or have a big story figured out - I’ll meet you where you’re at. Together, we’ll build skills to manage stress and emotions, explore what’s underneath the surface, and move toward the kind of life (and relationships) that feel more like yours.
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Why should adults see a therapist?
Adults may benefit from therapy for a wide range of reasons—whether it’s managing symptoms of a diagnosed mental health condition like anxiety or depression, navigating life transitions, coping with grief or trauma, or simply seeking support during a challenging life period. Many adults find that therapy helps them build healthier coping skills and better process their emotions, which may lead to better relationships and reduced stress. It’s important to note that, unlike psychiatrists or primary care physicians, therapists do not prescribe psychiatric medication. However, they will often work alongside prescribing clinicians to ensure coordinated care and can provide behavioural therapy as an important addition to psychiatric medication. Mental health concerns can look different in adulthood than in childhood or adolescence, so finding a therapist with expertise working with adult clients is important. Conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for instance, may present or resurface differently in adulthood than in childhood or adolescence. Adult-specific stressors, such as job strain, caregiving responsibilities, relationship challenges, financial stress, or identity transitions, can also influence the onset and type of symptoms an individual experiences. Adult-focused therapists, therefore, are trained to understand these complexities and tailor care accordingly.
How do I know if a therapist is the right fit for me?
When seeking care, it’s important to understand a therapist’s treatment specialties and their overall approach to treatment . Some therapists focus on common adult conditions like anxiety or depression, while others specialize in areas such as trauma, substance use disorders, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. It’s also important to consider a therapist’s training when seeking care. Therapists in Canada hold various licenses depending on their training and provincial requirements. Common therapy credentials include Registered Social Workers (RSW), Registered Psychotherapists, and Certified Canadian Counsellors (CCC). Psychologists (PhD or PsyD) receive additional doctoral-level training and may focus on assessments or more specialized therapeutic approaches. All of these professionals can provide talk therapy but do not prescribe medication. When searching for a therapist, consider their credentials and training background to ensure a good fit.
How do I find a therapist who sees adults?
Psychology Today’s online directory allows you to search specifically for therapists who work with adults. Each provider profile includes key information such as clinical specialties, therapeutic approaches, licensure, accepted insurance plans, languages spoken, and session fees. Reviewing these details can help you determine whether a particular provider aligns with your needs and can indicate whether they are a good match for adult clients.